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Friday, April 19, 2013

Friday Feedback Frenzy!

As teachers, I know most of us love to get feedback on our lessons when we are observed or when another teacher takes our idea and runs with it. 
I feel the same way about my TPT products. I really enjoy reading your feedback on my products. I would love for you to share how you used the product and what worked (or maybe didn't work) in your classroom. Everyone has room to grow, and I am no exception. 
Plus, there is a benefit to you when you leave feedback at TPT. Did you know that you earn credits for future purchases? Just go to your purchases page and right under the title of the product, you will see a thumbs up and the blinking words "Provide Feedback." Just click it and off you go! 
To make it even sweeter for you, if you leave feedback TONIGHT for any product you have purchased from my store,
I will send you a freebie this weekend! 
Just email me at Ms.SmartyPants@rocketmail.com with your TPT user/purchaser name and the name of the product you previously purchased. I will send out a freebie by Sunday evening. 
Go on now, you know you want to have a Feedback Frenzy! 

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Working With Words Update

For the past month, I have been revamping my word work station. My kids were getting bored and restless with the same old activities. So Working With Words was born. 
I thought I would share how I am using Working With Words in my classroom. =)

First, I introduce the phonics pattern. If there are two (or more) patterns for a specific sound, I will introduce them as well. Usually, we create a list of words for the patterns. After creating the list, I put a focus on just pattern one for Monday & Tuesday. The lessons follow the same pattern on Monday & Tuesday, with a slight difference. 

Next, the students go back to their seats for word building. The students cut out their letters and line them up on the table. I give directions by stating exactly what to do. For example, "Please build the word glue." I will remind them of the pattern we are working on for the first few words. (On Monday, they just build. I have them save their letters in a snack size baggie. On Tuesday, they build and then record the word.) Sorry, I forgot to take a picture! =(

For the word work station, there are two games.
The first choice is Roll A Word. They play this game with a partner by rolling the die, reading the word, and writing the word. 

The second choice is the board game. The game board is simple enough that it only takes one model and they know how to play! They simply read a word, if it is correct, they roll the die and move forward. 
 This game is played in pairs as well. For this class, they work better in pairs verses groups of four. 
When we meet again for whole group instruction, I projected the Word Reading Sentences on the board. First, we echo read the sentences. Then the students take turns reading the sentence and circling the word with the pattern. 
The other students are following along, tracking print while whisper reading, and locating the pattern words. 
The students partner up and read the sentences again. This has tremendously helped many of my students with their fluency.
This activity is done on both Monday & Tuesday. 

 After each student has had their turn, they then spend the remaining few minutes playing Roll A Word with their copy. To save paper, I have them write in pencil on Monday and then highlight the words on Tuesday. 


I have to say, these are by far the best products I have made yet. 
 I never dreamed what the impact would or could be for my students. They are mastering the phonics patterns and having a great time! I have watched their fluency increase (a great deal) and they are now attacking longer words instead of shying away from them. All of that, and it meets Common Core Standards! =)
Working With Words for oi & oy is now in my TPT store. It's 50% off for the next 24 hours! Grab it now...=) 
And just for fun, leave a comment with your email and which Working With Words you would like. I will pick 3 winners tomorrow evening! =) 

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Techy Tuesday: Rafflecopter

It's Techy Tuesday! 
If you are a newer blogger, this will help you to set up a give-away. This is a tutorial on Rafflecopter
(I am by no means, an expert! This is just how I do it. If you know of any more tips, please leave a comment!) 

















Sunday, April 7, 2013

Product Swap S'More

Do you ever get tired of the same old lessons? I seem to have this problem when holidays come around. I rarely want to use what I have used in years passed. This year was no exception. Especially Easter; I still have not wrapped my brain around the idea that I am allowed to celebrate Easter in my class. While I did have to keep the celebration low-key, I still wanted to share some Easter spirit with my class. But then came the question, what would I do? 
Then I remembered my bloggy buddies and I decided we would swap some products this month. So off I went to window shop at Teach With Laughter and picked this great resource out! 
















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